Portret van Miguel de Molinos na zijn veroordeling in 1687 1687

This is Johann Hainzelmann’s "Portrait of Miguel de Molinos After his Sentencing in 1687," a somber engraving made shortly after Molinos’s condemnation. The composition divides the picture plane vertically, with Molinos positioned centrally against a stark background. Hainzelmann's meticulous engraving technique emphasizes texture—note the ruffled collar and the detailed rendering of Molinos's beard. The somberness of the portrait is heightened by the restricted tonal range and the downturned gaze of the subject. Molinos holds a taper, a symbol of his recantation, which underscores the themes of repentance and the renunciation of his past beliefs. The image is more than just a depiction, it's a carefully constructed tableau that uses visual elements to reflect power dynamics and ideological conflict of the time. The choice of engraving as a medium, with its capacity for stark contrasts, serves to emphasize the gravity of the situation and the irreversible nature of Molinos's fate. Ultimately, Hainzelmann's portrait becomes a document of its time, revealing how artistic form can be deployed to communicate complex socio-political narratives.